The “Ready, Set, Go!” program in Coconino County, Arizona, is a crucial initiative designed to help residents prepare for emergencies, especially wildfires. As Arizona experiences increasingly severe fire seasons due to drought, understanding how to act in the face of wildfire danger is more important than ever.
The “Ready, Set, Go!” program aims to educate and prepare the community, helping to minimize risks and protect lives.
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What is the “Ready, Set, Go!” Program?
The “Ready, Set, Go!” program is a three-step preparedness strategy that provides actionable steps for individuals and families living in high-risk wildfire zones. The program encourages residents to be proactive in their preparations before a fire threatens their area. By breaking the process into three stages — Ready, Set, and Go — the program makes it easier for people to understand and follow.
Step 1: Ready
The first step, Ready, focuses on preparation well before a wildfire occurs. This includes creating defensible space around your home, hardening your property against fire, and assembling an emergency supply kit. A key component is ensuring your home is built or retrofitted to resist ignition from embers, which can travel miles ahead of a fire.
Residents are encouraged to follow Firewise principles, which include:
- Clearing brush and removing dry vegetation within at least 30 feet of the home.
- Cleaning gutters and removing any dead leaves, pine needles, or other flammable debris from the roof.
- Using fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding whenever possible.
- Creating an emergency plan with family members should include evacuation routes, communication strategies, and a designated meeting spot outside of the evacuation area.
Additionally, homeowners should sign up for emergency alerts from Coconino County to stay informed about potential fire dangers in their area.
Step 2: Set
The Set phase is triggered when a fire is reported near your community. At this stage, residents should stay vigilant, monitor local media for updates, and ensure that they are ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
During the Set phase:
- Pack your emergency supply kit, including essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.
- Back your car into the garage or driveway to make a swift exit easier.
- Stay informed by tuning into local emergency services, checking news updates, and following local authorities on social media.
- Make sure family members are aware of your evacuation plan and communicate with neighbors who may need assistance.
This phase is crucial because it ensures you are prepared to leave quickly if evacuation orders are issued.
Step 3: Go
The final step, Go, is activated when local authorities issue an evacuation order. This means conditions are extremely dangerous, and it’s time to leave immediately.
During the Go phase:
- Don’t wait for further instructions—evacuate immediately.
- Follow the evacuation routes designated by local authorities. Avoid taking shortcuts, as roads may be closed or blocked by the fire.
- Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes to protect against embers.
- Once you have evacuated, don’t return home until local authorities have declared it safe to do so.
Conclusion
The “Ready, Set, Go!” program in Coconino County plays a critical role in wildfire preparedness. Wildfires can be unpredictable and dangerous, but by following these three steps, residents can reduce their risks and increase their chances of staying safe.
The program empowers individuals to take action, whether it’s hardening their home in the Ready phase or knowing exactly what to do when it’s time to evacuate.
By being proactive and prepared, we can protect our communities and ourselves from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
